Ron Lester, 'Varsity Blues' Actor, Dies at 45

The actor was known for his role as Billy Bob in the James Van Der Beek film.

Actor Ron Lester, known for his role in Varsity Blues as Billy Bob, has died. He was 45.

His agent Dave Bradley reported the news on Friday night on his Facebook page. Earlier in the night, he thanked the actor's fans for their kind words after Lester was taken to the hospital in critical condition. "He was not in any pain and passed away peacefully," Bradley later wrote.

Bradley told the Associated Press on Saturday that Lester had been hospitalized since February due to liver and kidney problems. Bradley also told the AP that Lester died Friday after he was removed from a ventilator.

At about 7 p.m. PT on Friday, Bradley wrote that "he is breathing on his own, but has been given medicine that takes care of any pain he may be feeling. Ron's fiancee is by his side as well as close family and friends. I will do my best to answer your questions and to return your phone calls. Thank you for your continued support. I will post an update as soon as there is any status changes."

After his breakout roles in Good Burger and Varsity Blues, Lester went on to appear on TV series including Popular and Freaks and Geeks and later in the film Not Another Teen Movie, playing a parody version of his character Billy Bob, this time named Reggie Ray.